Topics covered at the Scottish Renewables Planning Conference: EIR release

Information requested

Thank you for your email of 6 June 2026 requesting a copy, or summary, of the Chief Reporter’s remarks delivered at the conference.
 

Response

As your request relates to environmental information, it has been considered under the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs).

No formal notes or records were taken of the Chief Reporter’s remarks. However, a summary of the topics covered during the presentation is provided below:

• An update on the number of wind farm reports issued by the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) in 2025.
• An overview of the challenges and operational pressures faced by DPEA in 2026, including a rise in live cases compared with 2025.
• A summary of measures introduced to manage increased case volumes, including additional resourcing to mitigate potential backlogs.
• An update on the Electricity Act 1989, including its relevance to DPEA’s functions and responsibilities.
• An outline of the procedures and options available to DPEA Reporters in carrying out their duties.
• A summary of the approach to handling enquiries under Section 62 and Schedule 8 of the Electricity Act 1989.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.